|
|
We dodged Derek Lowe the last series in Atlanta, thanks to a fortuitous rain-out. Too much to hope for, missing him again - especially in a four-game series, such as the one against the Braves which opens tonight. However, the pitching match-up tonight is a little better, with Dan Haren going for Arizona. Even though he hasn't won a start in almost four weeks, there's still a certain feeling of confidence we get with him on the mound. And can I just say, I miss Brandon Webb?
Lineup
- 3B Roberts
- 2B Ojeda
- RF Upton
- SS Drew
- 1B Reynolds
- LF Byrnes
- CF Young
- C Snyder
- P Haren
Nice to see Ryan Roberts getting to start again - that's four games in a row, with Hinch feeling his play "warrants another day." On the other hand, Gerardo Parra gets his first day off since getting called up to the big leagues. Hinch wants to get as many righties in the line-up against Lowe as possible, which makes sense, since southpaws are batting .162 vs. the Braves' sinkerballer, this season with zero home-runs in 124 PAs. Parra will probably see action off the bench after Lowe has left, however.
Still no Felipe Lopez, though he is once again available to pinch-hit. They want to get his hamstring fully operation before he can run the bases - according to Hinch, Lopez will "hopefully" be back this weekend, possibly as soon as tomorrow. However, we've heard that before, and it seems to be the case here that the malady lingers on... The good news is, we should be just about back to full strength in the bullpen, with everyone bar Esmerling Vasquez available for use tonight. However, I would like to point out to AJ that, just because you can use our relievers tonight, doesn't mean you should use our relievers tonight. A complete-game shutout from Haren would be just fine, thanks...And here's some pre-game audio clippage from the manager, on Parra, the 'pen and why Reynolds is at first once more.
Audio courtesy of KTAR 620